Beyond 90

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 10: Mina Tanaka of Japan celebrates 100 games during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 match between Japan and Vietnam at Perth Rectangular Stadium on March 10, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre / Getty Images)

REPORT | Japan Vanquish Vietnam 🇯🇵 🇻🇳

Japan ended Vietnam’s faint hopes of reaching the #WAC2026 quarter-finals with a ruthless 4–0 victory in Perth on Tuesday evening.

📝 @cneilb.bsky.social

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And that’s a wrap from the Australian conference. Montemurro appeared relaxed and confident whilst Kerr was oozing steely determination.
Until the next time.
Cheers
#WAC2026

Montemurro says the team hasn’t spoke about the possibility of World Cup qualification if they win tomorrow. Just taking each game as they come and doing the best they can to very time. If they do this then the results will speak for themselves.
Kerr says the most important thing is to win tomorrow

Kerr says that the key characteristics of the DPR Korea is their never give up mentality and they are difficult to play against as they were in 2010. Have to be ready to fight from the first minute.

Not major adjustments for Montemurro with Catley and Raso out although Kerr is in at left back! I bough coverage in the squad to cover losses

Kerr asked about the preparations for tournament football. Always difficult with different pressures and referees but still enjoyable. It’s a good challenge. Doesn’t think they have played their best but fell they are improving with every game. THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

Montemurro asked how he instills the confidence to keep playing his style. More a timing thing rather than losing the structure. Haven’t had the challenge that South Korea gave them so this was good preparation for the game tomorrow.

Kerr asked about DPR Korea and their way of disrupting games.
She believes if Matildas focus on themselves they should be ok. Experienced players have provided advice to younger ones.

Matildas conference.
Montemurro confirms no Catley or Raso tomorrow.
Focus on our strengths and general preparation for every game has been tight and challenging at times.

That’s all from the DPR Korea coach and player. Interesting aside is that the official interpreter was quick to correct a journo who referred to the side as Korea and asked them to rephrase to DPR Korea.
#WAC2026

Player
“All the team is aware of the situation and we will try and convert this to our advantage and use it to get a positive outcome.”
#WAC2026

Coach and player asked about dealing with large crowd and world class players.
Coach “Australia is strong and host as well. Our team don’t have rich experience at this level. We have to convert this challenge into something positive.”

Coach asked if the physical aspect of the DPR game was a natural thing or was it coached?
When I became head coach I see that the physical conditioning is one of the most important things for a team. I focus on physical preparation .”
#WAC2026

Choe Il Son asked about the level of women’s football in DPR Korea.
“Women’s football is receiving attention nationwide. When facing a major tournament we prepare well. The players are in high spirits and confidence in showing their abilities”
#WAC2026

Coach was asked if the team will repeat their display of arguing a referee’s call against Australia.
If it happens again we will follow the officials decision
#WAC2026

Choe Il Son said
“I think the Australian team is the most powerful team. All of us are looking forward to the game tomorrow and want to show all our abilities.
#WAC2026

How was the team prepared for the upcoming game?
Nice to be here. We are facing a powerful team and the hosts so we are a little nervous. But we will overcome mental and physical challenges.

Good morning everyone @cneilb.bsky.social bringing you the press conferences for the Matildas vs DPR Korea. Lots of press interest for some reason! We start with the DPR Coach Ri Song Ho and player Choe Il Son.
#WAC2026

mr bean is smiling and saying ciao while standing in front of a door . ALT: mr bean is smiling and saying ciao while standing in front of a door .

And that’s a wrap. This has been @cneilb.bsky.social and it’s been my pleasure once more to have been with you this evening. Until the next time

Bowing of players after game.
“This is a traditional thing for players to do. Don’t know anywhere else in the world where people treat each other with such respect. “
#WAC2026

Travel plans and recovery.
“ Important to win group so we only have one trip to make. The staff are excellent and Im confident the travel will be handled well. “
#WAC2026

Question for coach. Players changed positions.
“Players not glued to one position. If this adds confusion to the opponent so coach was pleased they asked to do this. This is not normal for Japanese players!”
Nagano
“Movement was excellent. In transition moments we had to be better”.

How do you feel about your performance today (question for Nagano)
“Expected a tough game. First half was tough. Very happy to win the game. “

3 one sided games. What did you learn from them? “ We will have to defend at some point in the tournament. Will spend time on that and also transition moments. “

“Could have been better in the first half. Passes a little too long. We went around them well and were hesitant in our finishing. Better in the second half. “

Next up is the Japanese coach Nils Nielsen and POTM Fuka Nagano.

Improvements need to be made at Grassroots level to get to level of Japan.

Any messages to supporters of Vietnam?
“A big thank you to all the fans who came. We appreciated their belief and support”

“Very difficult match and the level of Japan is very high. Even though we lost I am still proud.
Difference between 2 halves we were physically weaker because of previous match. We could not follow their effort “

Player of the match was Fuka Nagano. It’s now onto the post match pressers and first up it’s the Vietnamese coach Mai Duc Chung